Access

About Our intake Access Center

Asking for help isn't easy.

At Riverwood Center we understand that asking for help is sometimes the most difficult thing you can do. But it's also the most important step toward recovery. Many mental health issues won't just go away on their own. You may need professional help to get better.

Our goal is to ensure you receive confidential healthcare, designed just for you, in a comfortable setting. We also make sure to always treat you with the respect and dignity you deserve. Along the way, you'll have the chance to ask questions and make choices regarding your plan of care. We'll meet with you at the beginning to get your input so we can provide you or your loved one with the most appropriate services and best quality of care for your condition.

What to Expect

Getting services through the Riverwood Center is simple. Intake's Access Center operates on a walk-in basis from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. If you arrive after 3:30 p.m. you may need to finish the process at a later date that is convenient for you. When you arrive, one of our friendly Access Specialists will ask you questions that will help us decide if you are eligible for services. They will ask you where you live, and to describe what is happening in your life that makes you feel that services could help you. We will also ask you about your insurance and your income.

Together, you and one of our Access Specialists will determine your next steps:

If you're having an emergency, we will direct you to immediate help.

If you're not having an emergency, and you are eligible for services, we will refer you to the appropriate provider. This appointment usually takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. By the time you leave, you'll know what type of services you're eligible for. If you're eligible, you will schedule an appointment with one of our clinicians.

If you are not eligible for services at Riverwood Center, we will help you find services from other community resources.

If you have private insurance, you may need to use one of your insurer's providers before receiving services from Riverwood Center.

To speed up the process of helping you, please bring the following information:

Medical insurance card or numbers, including Medicaid (if applicable)

Social Security number

Names of current medications and doctors

Proof of Guardianship, Power of Attorney (which can either be notarized or signed by two witnesses), Loco Parentis document, court custody document or other court documents (if applicable)

Children under 14 need their parent or legal representative/guardian to sign for permission for counseling. Riverwood Center is required to obtain written consent from a biological parent (whose parental rights have not been terminated); a legal guardian; or an individual authorized under State law to act on behalf of the child before providing mental health services. Everyone under 18 needs a parent or legal guardian to sign to give permission for any medication. Anyone with legal guardians needs to have their guardian present to access services and needs to bring documents to verify the legal representative or custodial representative. The legal representative needs to come with the child or adult for the assessment appointment.

Integrated Healthcare

Integrated healthcare means we believe your mental health is closely tied to your physical health. If you receive mental health services through Riverwood, we will work with your primary care doctor to make sure your physical and mental health services work together. If you do not have a primary care doctor, your local community mental health services program will help you find one. Our goal is that together we will be able to meet your needs.

What if I'm in crisis?

If you or someone you love is experiencing a mental health crisis, please call us immediately at (800) 336-0341 (24 hours a day) to figure out what help you need. If you need medical attention, call 9-1-1 or visit your nearest emergency department.

Cost

Riverwood Center accepts Medicaid, Medicare and many private insurances. Please check with your insurance to see what behavioral health or mental health services are covered and what co-pays or fees you may have. Depending on your insurance plan, there may be no cost. Staff will let you know if you need to pay for your services. Fees are based on our cost to provide services. Your part of that fee is based upon the level of your ability to pay. Unfortunately, we may need to deny services if you can't pay, or if we determine you are able to pay, but refuse to.

We partner with children, families and adults in their journey toward recovering from behavioral health and substance use challenges and help individuals with intellectual disabilities adapt to community living.

Please call or walk in to visit our offices at Riverwood Center, NorthStar Center, "1613," the Scottdale Home, Courthouse, or Niles locations | Bldng. II Administration is closed to the public / by appointment only

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